Employers

Quality Workforce

The large military presence draws a great diversity of technology-based firms, defense contractors, education and supporting industries. With over 1,400 military men and women separating from the military and staying in the area each year our labor market offers an educated, highly-skilled and disciplined workforce. Most of those exiting the military intend to stay or could be compelled to stay.

In order to improve the area’s ability to connect and create jobs for veterans and transitioning service members, economic development and workforce officials executed an MOU with leadership from Eglin Air Force Base and Hurlburt Field. Through these efforts, almost 1,300 responses from those preparing to transition out of the military have been collected thus far. As evidenced from the charts below, over 63% plan to remain in the local area. Further, as shown in the chart capturing length of service of exiting military members, the majority of those separating have at least 10 years of service.

Top Okaloosa County Public and Private Sectors

Top Employers

Employees

Okaloosa County School District

5,070

Fort Walton Beach Medical Center

1,222

Walmart, combined

1,363

Northwest Florida State College

1,081

Okaloosa County BCC

936

Reliance Test & Technology

750

North Okaloosa Medical Center

652

BAE Systems

545

Boeing

500+

White Wilson Medical Center

474

Source: Okaloosa EDC, Survey Responses. Not all inclusive and does not include the federal government.